The relationship of diabetes knowledge and self-care practices among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disease characterized by increased blood glucose levels and cannot be cured so it requires self-care. DM self-care is a program that must be carried out throughout the life of DM sufferers. DM self-care aims to optimize metabolic control, optimize quality of life, and prevent acute and chronic complications. Good knowledge and self-care consisting of good diet, physical exercise, medication, and education can control blood sugar levels and prevent complications of type 2 DM. Purpose: To determine the relationship between knowledge and self-care in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method: Descriptive correlational research design with a cross-sectional approach. The study population was patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the work area of ​​the Pasar Rebo District Health Center, East Jakarta, totaling 690 patients, carried out in November-December 2023. The sampling technique used the Accidental Sampling technique with the Slovin formula and a sample of 87 respondents was obtained. The research instrument used the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-24) for the knowledge questionnaire and the Summary of Diabetes Self Care Activity (SDSCA) for the self-care questionnaire. Data analysis used the univariate and bivariate Chi Square alternative tests. Results: Respondents with poor knowledge resulted in poor self-care of 30 respondents (53.6%), while respondents with good knowledge resulted in good self-care of 16 respondents (51.6%). The results of the Chi-Square test showed a significant p value of 0.001 (<0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between knowledge and self-care in type 2 DM patients with a p value of 0.001.